| | |
Features: DVD, Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1, Theatrical Version
From director Robert Altman (M*A*S*H, The Player) comes an uproarious, high-spirited look at "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the legendary Western adventurer. In this depiction of Buffalo Bill's remarkable exploits, Paul Newman portrays the frontier hero with gusto, charm and tireless bravado. Although Buffalo Bill has fought Indians and Civil War battles, nothing can prepare him for his newest challenge: show business! His "Wild West Show" is hugely popular, featuring stunt riders, battle recreations and a beautiful sharpshooter, Annie Oakely (Geraldine Chaplin). But when Bill signs a former enemy, Sioux Chief Sitting Bull (Frank Kaquitts), for a featured role in the show, a hilarious clash of cultures reverberates far beyond the boundaries of their sprawling outdoor theater. And complications only multiply when the troupe discovers that it must put on a special command performance--for none other than the President of the United States! With a screenplay co-written by Alan Rudolph and Altman and a fine cast that includes Harvey Keitel, Burt Lancaster, Joel Grey, Shelley Duvall and others, Buffalo Bill And The Indians is a hysterical yet poignant comedy that shows the Old West as you've never seen it before.
"Great all-star cast..." VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever
"The most original American film of the year." Vincent Canby, The New York Times
Editor's Note
Robert Altman revisits American history--following the critical smash NASHVILLE--with this scathing indictment of celebrity and politics in the Wild West. Paul Newman (BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID) stars as Buffalo Bill Cody, a man who has parlayed his legend into a grand moneymaking scheme. Employing a group of talented gunslingers and horseback riders, Bill's carnival show promotes an exaggerated view of American history. However, when the company recruits equally legendary Native American Chief Sitting Bull (Frank Kaquitts) and his interpreter, William Halsey (Will Sampson) to appear as defeated victims in the show, the lies begin to catch up with Buffalo Bill. While the appearance of President Grover Cleveland (Pat McCormick) further helps carve Bill's name in history, it is revealed that Sitting Bull is not completely done with Bill. Altman's adaptation of Arthur Kopit's play contains his signature roaming camera and sprawling cast, as well as conveys a sarcastic, cynical tone that aims to debunk myths created by the real-life legends on which the film is based. As the manipulative Buffalo Bill, a man whose conscience finally catches up with him, Newman delivers a comical and impassioned performance, adding yet another memorable character to his, and director Altman's, oeuvre.
Plot Summary
In this Robert Altman view of western Americana, based on a stage play by Arthur Kopit, Paul Newman portrays Buffalo Bill as a boisterous, eccentric charlatan who has learned to exploit his name for celebrity and wealth. His ridiculous interpretation of American history, featuring an eclectic group of individuals, is challenged by the arrival of Chief Sitting Bull, a quiet Native American whose mere presence begins to challenge Buffalo Bill's mental state. Altman's comedy presents a lighthearted yet biting critique of American historical and cultural myths.
| Features | French Subtitles | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Access | | Original Featurette "From The Prairie To The Palace" | | English Subtitles | | Spanish Subtitles | | Widescreen Version | | Original Theatrical Trailer | | Teaser Trailer |
| Technical Info
|
Release Information
| | Studio: MGM |
| Release Date: 5/12/2009 |
| Running Time: 123 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1976 | | Catalog ID: 1001834 | | UPC: 00027616861047 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English [CC], English, French Dubbed, Spanish Dubbed | | Available Subtitles: French, Spanish | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 2.35:1 |
| Cast & Crew
| Memorable Quotes| "May the sun never set on this great nation, unless it comes up again in the mornin'."----Buffalo Bill (Paul Newman) |
|
| | Professional Reviews | Total Film
"...Worth seeking out..." 09/01/2000 p.112Uncut
"An enjoyable indictment of Hollywood." 10/01/2004 p.156 Sight and Sound
"Newman is impressive..." 11/01/2004 p.74-5 |
| |
|
|
|
http://www.buy.com/prod/buffalo-bill-and-the-indians-or-sitting-bulls-history-lesson/q/loc/322/40151461.html
